Finance Manager

Leyton Sixth Form College; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Leyton Sixth Form College seeks a senior finance leader to manage the finance team and drive the college's financial strategy. You will oversee budgeting, reporting, compliance and stakeholder engagement while supporting the college's mission.

The role requires contributing to governance documents and acting as Deputy Director of Finance when required. Applicants should have strong experience in financial controls, management accounts and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance team with clear objective setting.
• Knowledge of preparing management accounts and statutory returns.
• Ability to plan budgets and monitor financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance team, set objectives, conduct reviews and support staff development.
• Contribute to monthly management accounts, statutory accounts and financial planning.
• Prepare documents for college governance and attend committees as required.
• Oversee budgeting, financial controls and reporting to senior leadership.
• Coordinate with internal/external auditors and ensure compliance.
• Manage bursary and free meals financial processes and stakeholder relations.
• Support college-wide strategy and act as deputy for Director of Finance when needed.

Skills

People management

Staff development

Financial reporting

Budgeting

HR planning

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Job description

Main Responsibilities:

Team management and oversight

• Undertake the full range of management responsibilities for any direct reports; set and agree clear objectives and ensure that staff reviews are completed in a timely fashion and result in positive, compassionate interaction and follow up; lead on professional learning within the area, designing and delivering learning and development strategies to help staff identify areas where skills and experience can be expanded; and advocate for good practices that promote the wellbeing and development of staff in the area. Provide guidance and support to the Finance team in dealing with day-to-day issues, regarding Financial issues, Bursary and Free Meals. Contribute to the college’s human resources planning, and the recruitment and selection of staff according to college policies and procedures. Coordinate the production of the self-assessment report for the area, and a summary for the final college self-assessment report. Support the effective operation and continuous improvement of the finance service in line with the College’s values. Manage any delegated budget to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources. Represent the Finance department at cross college strategy and other internal and external meetings, working parties, meetings with agencies and external networks as required. Deputise for the Director of Finance as and when required. Be a fully committed member of the college’s management team, including attendance at weekly meetings and undertake responsibility for the college as Duty Officer when necessary.

Strategic and Statutory Reporting

• Contribute to the successful delivery of the college’s strategic plan whilst monitoring financial solvency. Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts for the college and to feed into any accounting requirements should the College’s legal structure change in the future (e.g. Academisation).

Governance,

• Prepare documents for the college’s committees and attend meetings as and when required.

Budgeting, monitoring and assurance

• Produce timely plans and reports with performance measures and targets for the finance team. Contribute to and advise on the planning and budget-setting process. Assist in preparing accurate project funding returns on time. Ensure all financial records are accurate and up to date, including the retention of all financial documents are in line with recommended / college guidance. Ensure the fixed assets database is kept up to date and depreciation is calculated accurately. Assist in the submission of all other statutory financial returns on time. A nominated contact person for internal and external auditors in relation to financial controls, procedures, reports and returns.

Compliance, Risk and Controls

• Act as nominated contact person for the college’s personal bank and respond to enquiries as and when they arise. Contribute to the regular review of current procedures and controls, re‑drafting as appropriate in line with current legislation, best practice and the college’s objectives. Support, and when necessary, lead on projects to help improve use of the college’s financial systems, ensuring all processes are up to date. Ensure the college’s financial rules and regulations are adhered to by the finance team and wider college staff. Liaise with the wider college managers to improve financial awareness and ensure cost-effective and efficient college services.

Internal and External Stakeholder relations

• Ensure all payments to suppliers and students are made on time. Ensure all funds due to the college are received on time with accurate accounting records.

Bursary and Free Meals Systems

• To oversee and support the promotion and administration of financial support for students, including the application and payment process, in liaison with wider college teams.

General Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the college’s operational aims and objectives as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Actively promote compassionate education. Support the aims and ethos of the college as articulated in the Mission Statement and other relevant documents. Contribute to the college’s commitment to inclusion and equality and, specifically, its ambition to be an anti-racist organisation. Adhere to and promote college policies in line with our strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity for students and in the employment of and care for staff. Maintain an up to date understanding of Safeguarding Children and undertake training as required. Maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate. Comply with health and safety regulations associated with the post and employment at the College. Undertake any staff development (INSET/CPD) relevant to the needs of the post. Contribute to the college’s quality improvement framework through participation in appraisal and performance review. Understand, comply and promote college policies in own area of work, and undertake any appropriate training to assist this process. Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and general responsibilities of the post.

Other Information

Contract/Hours:

This is a full time and permanent post.